Man can't keep attorneys over threats

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LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A Kentucky murder suspect is unable to find a lawyer to represent him at trial because he keeps threatening to kill them, the judge in his case says.

The defendant, Percy Brown, denied making the threats and argued with the judge until deputies removed him from the courtroom, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier Journal reported Monday.

Jefferson County Judge McKay Chauvin said Brown's case was an "interesting and unique" situation because the defendant had been through numerous attorneys since being arrested in 2008 in connection with the 2004 shooting death of 19-year-old Jennifer French.

Brown won't cooperate with his attorneys and threatens them continuously, the judge said.

Prosecutors say Brown previously said he wanted to represent himself but now wants an attorney to serve as co-counsel.

Brown's latest attorney, Ander Al-Shami, asked on Monday to be removed as Brown's counsel.

He declined to discuss his reasons.

Brown told Chauvin he had requested Kentucky Chief Justice John Minton remove the judge from the case.

Brown's sister, Vanessa Kelly, declared his innocence, saying he was "not capable" of murder.